Adapter unit having an ergonomic grip for a personal digital assistant

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates generally to an adapter unit for a personal digital assistant. More specifically, this invention relates to an adapter unit that provides additional functionality, and improved ergonomics and increased ruggedness to the personal digital assistant.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the U.S. Provisional applicationSer. No. 60/263,438 filed Jan. 23, 2001, and is related to the U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/912,195 entitled “ADAPTER UNIT FOR APERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT HAVING AUTOMATICALLY CONFIGURABLE APPLICATIONBUTTONS”, which is filed on the same day as the present application.

FIELD OF USE

The present invention relates generally to an adapter unit for apersonal digital assistant. More specifically, this invention relates toan adapter unit that provides additional functionality, and improvedergonomics and increased ruggedness to the personal digital assistant.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Personal digital assistants (“PDA”) or hand-held computers have limitedfunctions. These devices typically include internal memory for storingapplication programs and a local database. PDAs also include externalconnector used during synchronization procedure (“hot-sync”) with anexternal database located in a local or remote PC. The PDA is typicallyinserted into a “hot-sync” cradle, which is tethered to a desktop PC.The PC has a second database, which is similar to the local PDAdatabase. During the “sync” operation both databases get updated withany information that was added to either one or the databases since thelast synchronization procedure. While these devices can have variousapplication programs running on them, they still have limitedfunctionality. For example, a typical PDA may not have a detachablescanner or a detachable radio or a combination of both.

The iPAQ PDA manufactured by Compaq Computer Corporation has anexpansion connector for interconnecting with different compatiblemodules, such as a scanning module. The expansion slot does not replacethe “sync” connector, but is provided in addition to it. Thus, the iPAQhas to have two separate connectors to accommodate expandedfunctionality and “sync” operation. Once a scanning module is connectedto the iPAQ, the expansion connector is occupied and no other module canbe interconnected with the iPAQ. In addition, the combined device is notrugged enough to be used in industrial environment. Other theninterconnecting to the PDA via an electrical connector, the module isnot well secured to the PDA and upon drop or vibration the two elementsmay break or come apart, this rendering the system inoperative.

While the modules are able to provide additional functions to thepersonal digital assistant, such benefits come at a price. One of theadvantages to the personal digital assistants is their portability.These units are designed to fit in a user's hand or palm. In many moduledesigns, the depth and/or width of the combination personal digitalassistant and module is considerably larger than originally designed bythe personal digital assistant manufacturer. The combination of the twodevices becomes difficult for a typical user to grasp.

As additional functions are added to the PDA, there is a greater need tochange the functionality of the application buttons on the PDA.Presently, in order to change the function of an application button auser must input data on a series of screens on the PDA indicating, thefunction the user would like to assign to the button. This processrequires a certain amount of training on the use of the PDA, can be timeconsuming and is prone to human errors.

The PDA includes volatile memory such as RAM. Information stored in thevolatile memory may be lost if the power level of the PDA's batteryfalls below a certain level.

Therefore, a need exists to provide a rugged detachable adapter havingadditional functionality for a hand-held computer such as a PDA.

A need exists to provide a rugged detachable adapter having scanningfunctionality for a hand-held computer, such as a PDA.

A need exists to provide a rugged detachable adapter having wirelesscommunication functionality for a hand-held computer, such as a PDA.

A need exists to provide a detachable adapter having scanning andwireless communication functionality for a hand-held computer, such as aPDA.

A need exists to provide a rugged detachable adapter having scanningfunctionality and a user accessible PCMCIA slot for a hand-heldcomputer, such as a PDA.

A need exists to provide an adapter having additional electronicfunctionality for a hand held computer such as a PDA.

A need exists to provide an adapter having additional electronicfunctionality for a hand held computer such as a PDA, wherein thecombination PDA and adapter connects to a communications cradle in orderto communicate with a PC.

A need exits to automatically change the functionality of one of theapplication buttons on the PDA in a manner that is seamless to the user.

A need exists to provide an adapter having additional nonvolatile memorythat can store PDA applications and data when power is critically low.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an adapter unit that can be detachablysecured to a hand-held computer, such as a portable digital assistant(“PDA”) computer presently available on the market. Examples of suchcomputers are the iPAQ manufactured by Compaq Computer Corporation, thePalm series manufactured by Palm, Inc. and the Visor series manufacturedby Handspring Inc. The invention includes an adapter that addsfunctionality and ruggedness to a commercially designed device for usein a more industrial environment. The adapter has a PDA connector forinterconnecting to the PDA's expansion connector. A scanner, battery andradio functions may be integrated in the adapter. Specifically, theadapter may include a card for wireless local area communication such asthe Spectrum24® card manufactured by Symbol Technologies Inc. and/or acard for wireless wide area network communication. The adapter mayinclude additional memory for storing data. This memory may includenonvolatile memory such as flash memory for storing drivers that supportthe functions added by the adapter. For example, the memory may storedrivers for a scanner or a wireless local area network. In analternative embodiment the adapter has a separated expansion connectorfor accommodating various functional modules. In certain cases, theadapter may also have its own sync connector, allowing it to be directlyinserted into the PDA cradle.

In a preferred embodiment the invention includes an adapter unit thatconnects to PDA via the PDA's expansion connector. The adapter unitenhances mechanical ruggedness of the PDA and protects the PDA duringdrop and vibration. The adapter easily slides on the PDA and mayincorporate a retainer clip to lock the adapter and the PDA together.Electronics in the adapter add bar code scanning, imaging capability,additional power, wireless and other PC card support.

In another preferred embodiment the invention includes an adapter unithaving a gripping surface that enhances the ergonomics of the adapterand helps prevent the adapter from slipping out of a user's hand.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the function of one ormore of the application buttons on the PDA automatically changes uponthe attachment of a device to the PDA.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, when the PDA's batteryis critically low, information stored in the PDA's volatile memory isautomatically stored in a nonvolatile memory.

A strap can also be added on the back of the adapter for ergonomic andcomfort reasons.

In an alternative embodiment a handle is added to the design, such thata handle supports the adapter, and the PDA/adapter combination is heldas a gun-shaped terminal in the hand of a user. Batteries, bothrechargeable and disposable, chargers and control systems can be addedto the adapter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a is a aide view of an embodiment of the adapter of the presentinvention;

FIG. 1b is atop perspective view of an embodiment of the adapter of thepresent invention;

FIG. 1c is a back view of en embodiment of the adapter of the presentinvention;

FIG. 1d is a bottom view of an embodiment of the adapter of the presentinvention;

FIG. 1e is a front view of an embodiment of the adapter of the presentinvention;

FIG. 1f is another side view of an embodiment of the adapter of thepresent invention;

FIG. 1g is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the adapter ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2a is a side view of an embodiment of the adapter of the presentinvention illustrating release of the PDA retaining mechanism;

FIG. 2b is a PDA of the present invention;

FIG. 2c is an illustration of an embodiment of the adapter of thepresent invention connected to a PDA;

FIG. 3 is a map indicating the relative orientation of the circuitsdescribed in FIGS. 3a-3 f that comprise an electrical schematic of theadapter of the present invention;

FIG. 3a shows a portion of an interface connector JH1 and pin-outsthereof for the adapter interface board;

FIG. 3b shows the remaining portion of the interface connector JH1 andpin-outs thereof for the adapter interface board;

FIG. 3c shows an EEPROM with memory utilized in the adapter interfaceboard;

FIG. 3d shows inverter circuits used for the JNT and RESET lines of theadapter interface board;

FIG. 3e shows a scanner controller that controls the scanner of theadapter interface board;

FIG. 3f shows power-down switching transistor and interface connectorfor the adapter interface board;

FIG. 4a is a drawing of a primary side view of a circuit board of anembodiment of the adapter of the present invention;

FIG. 4b is a drawing of a secondary side view of a circuit board of anembodiment of the adapter of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates an adapter and a band strap according to theinvention;

FIG. 6 shows a compartment for a rechargeable battery located inside theadapter;

FIG. 7 shows an adapter with a handle grip;

FIGS. 8a and 8 b show a bottom perspective view of another embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 9 shows an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of thepresent invention shown in FIGS. 8a and 8 b;

FIG. 10 shows atop view of the embodiment of the present invention shownin FIGS. 8a and 8 b;

FIG. 11 shows a bottom view of the embodiment of the present inventionshown in FIGS. 8a and 8 b;

FIG. 12 shows a side view of the embodiment of the present inventionshown in FIGS. 8a and 8 b;

FIG. 13 is a view taken along line A—A of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 shows a flowchart representing a configuration routine for apreferred embodiment of the present invention wherein an adapter isattached to the PDA;

FIG. 15 shows a flowchart representing a configuration routine foranother preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein an adapteris attached to the PDA;

FIG. 16 shows a flowchart representing a configuration routine for apreferred embodiment wherein an adapter is removed from the PDA; and

FIG. 17 shows a flowchart representing a memory backup system for apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1a represents a side view of a preferred embodiment of the adapter100 of the present invention. FIG. 1b shows the sled adapter from a topperspective view. FIG. 1g is a bottom perspective view of an embodimentof the adapter of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 1a and 1 b,the sled-type adapter includes a cover 104 and a carrier 106. Thecarrier 106 includes a bottom wall 108 and two sidewalls 110 extendingfrom bottom wall 108. An interface circuit board and a scanner, a radio,RFID tag reader, global positioning system, telephone, and/or some othermodule, is housed between the cover 104 and the bottom wall 108 of theadapter. The adapter of FIG. 1a includes an integrated radio with ahidden antenna and an interface board that allows connection to the PDA.FIG. 1e is a front view of the adapter. FIG. 1a shows an adapter havingan integrated scanner located behind the scanning window 120. Sidewalls110 of carrier 106 are curved in such a way that they surround the PDAon both sides and protect the PDA from side-to-side movement and sideimpact. Sidewalls 110 prevent the adapter from being pulled off the PDA.FIG. 1c is a back view of the adapter of the present invention. It showsthe edges of curved sidewalls 110 and the adapter connector 124extending from the circuit board. A wall portion 106 of the adapteroverlaps sidewalls 110, thus creating a seam overlap between thedifferent portions of the adapter. The overlap helps the user to moreeasily hold the adapter/PDA combination device. FIG. 1d is a view of theadapter from the bottom, exposing the bottom wall 108 of the carrierfrom underneath. It shows four fasteners 109 that attach carrier 106 tocover 104, enclosing the electronics between carrier 107 and cover 104.Carrier 106 can be attached to the cover 104 and the electronics bysnap-in features, screws or glue. It is preferable to make the adapteras thin and as small as possible in order to make it low profile andenhance its ergonomics. When, as in the presently illustrated case, thesidewalls are designed to protect the sides of the PDA, the height ofthe sidewalls is dictated by the height of the PDA to which the adapterattaches. In other designs the sidewalls may only partially cover thesides of the PDA.

At the extreme case, when no side protection of the PDA is needed, thesidewalls may be replaced by a pair of rails that mate with thecorresponding guides on the PDA. However, when the sidewalls areeliminated, the overall ruggedness of the adapter/PDA-combined device isreduced.

FIGS. 1f-g are additional views of the adapter when it is placed upsidedown.

When adapter 100 is connected to the PDA, sidewalls 110 restrict theside-to-side movements of the PDA with respect to adapter 100. Adapterconnector 124 restricts movement of the PDA in one direction along thelength of adapter 100. In order to restrict the movement of the PDA inthe other direction along the length of adapter 100, and to fully secureadapter 100 to the PDA, a retainer clip 112 is provided as part ofadapter 100. Retainer clip 112 is shown in FIGS. 1a, 1 b, 1 f and 1 g.Retainer clip 112 secures the PDA to adapter 100 and prevents accidentaldisconnects between the two devices upon vibration or drop. Inalternative embodiments the retainer can be replaced by snap fasteners,interference-fit, or detent features designed into the PDA and theadapter.

FIGS. 2a-c illustrate the method of attachment of a PDA 50 to adapter100 of the present invention. PDA 50 includes an expansion connector 52.First, retainer clip 112 is pushed out of the path of PDA 50 that isbeing inserted into the adapter. Second, PDA 50 is fully inserted intoadapter 100 and the PDA's expansion connector 52 is mated with thecorresponding adapter connector 124. Third, retainer clip 112 is pushedback to its original position, fully securing PDA 50 within adapter 100and preventing accidental separation of adapter 100 from PDA 50. Thus,when PDA 50 is inserted into adapter 100 of the preferred embodiment,adapter 100 protects PDA 50 on five of the PDA's six surfaces. The onlyPDA surface that remains exposed is the PDA's display surface.

FIG. 3 is an electrical schematic of the interface board of the adapterof the present invention. The interface board includes circuitry forcommunicating with a bar code scanner via connector JP1. Alternatively,the interface board could include circuitry for an imager such as acharged coupled device (CCD) or similar technology known to those ofskill in the art.

FIGS. 4a and 4 b show the primary and secondary sides, respectively, ofa printed circuit board of the adapter according to the presentinvention. Connector JP1 interfaces electronics on the circuit boardwith a scanner module. An external connector JH1 interfaces electronicson the circuit board with the iPAQ PDA. A 68-pin connector JH2interfaces electronics on the circuit board with a PC card having radioor other functionality. Thus, the adapter integrates both the scannermodule and the radio module, together with an antenna, inside it. Someof the electronic components between the two modules can be shared.

In another alternative embodiment, the modules are not be integratedinside the adapter, but are selectively plugged into the adapter. Forthis, either the JP1 or JH2, must also be an external connector. Forexample, if the adapter has a PCMCIA compatible connector, any PCMCIAcompatible module can be plugged into the adapter, thus expanding systemflexibility even further. Module compatible interface connectors, otherthan the PCMCIA interface connectors are envisioned to be within thescope of the present invention.

As can be gathered from the above description, while the adapter musthave a PDA compatible connector for interfacing to the PDA, theexpansion module connector is optional.

FIGS. 8-13 are drawings of an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention. The adapter 200 includes a cover 204 and a carrier 206. Thecarrier 206 includes a bottom wall 208 and two sidewalls 210 extendingfrom bottom wall 208. Curved portions 211 of sidewalls 210 of carrier206 are curved in such a way that they partially cover the sides of thePDA. Curved portions 211 protect the PDA from side-to-side movement andside impact. Curved portions 211 also prevent adapter 200 from beingpulled off the PDA and protect the PDA from front impact. An interfacecircuit 227 board and a scanner, a radio, RFID tag reader, globalpositioning system, telephone, or some other module, is housed betweenthe cover 204 and the bottom wall 208 of the adapter. The adapter ofFIG. 8a shows an adapter having an integrated scanner located behind thescanning window 220.

Sidewalls 210 include a gripping surface 213 for improved ergonomics. Aselectronic components are added to the adapter, the overall thickness ofadapter may increase. Users with small hands may have difficultywrapping their fingers all the way around to the curved portion of thesidewalls. Gripping surface 213 provides a surface for these users toplace their fingertips allowing them to grasp the adapter in a securemanner. Users with larger hands may choose to place their fingertipseither on the side of the PDA or on gripping surface 213. When viewingthe adapter from a horizontal position, the gripping surface 213 has aportion that is below bottom wall 208 and a portion that is above bottomwall 208.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, gripping surface 213 has a portion thatradiates in an outward direction relative to a vertical axis 270. Anangle α is formed along vertical axis 270 and the gripping surface 213.Angle α may change depending on where along gripping surface 213 it ismeasure. An angle β is formed along vertical axis 270 and a side section215 above the gripping surface 213. Side section 215 consists ofportions of carrier 206 and cover 204 (not shown in FIG. 13). FIG. 13shows a seam 217 where carrier 206 meets cover 204. Alternatively, theside section could consist of portions of only the carrier or only thecover. Gripping surface 213 and side section 215 meet to form a ridge260. Ridge 260 improves the ergonomics of adapter 200 and helps preventa user's fingers from slipping off gripping surface 213.

FIG. 10 shows a notch 270 where a tether or strap (not shown) can beattached to adapter 200. The tether allows the operator to carry thedevice without worrying about dropping it. Tether is preferably attachedto the top of adapter 200 so if adapter 200 hangs from the tether thePDA would be in an upright position and less likely to slip out of theadapter.

Adapter 200 shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 8-13 does not have aretainer clip. In an alternative embodiment adapter 200 could include aretainer clip to lock the adapter and the PDA together as shown in theembodiments of FIGS. 1a, 1 b, 1 e, 1 f and 1 g. When adapter 200 isconnected to the PDA, curved portions 211 restrict the side-to-sidemovements of the PDA with respect to adapter 200. Adapter connector 224restricts movement of the PDA along the length of adapter 200.

A connector interface 205 is flexibly secured to adapter 200. Connectorinterface 205 may be secured by a spring or similar arrangement to allowit to move in an orthogonal direction relative to the bottom wall 208.The connector interface 205 has ribbed members 205 a that engage with areceiving receptacle on the PDA (not shown). When the PDA is insertedinto adapter 200, connector interface 205 is forced down until the PDA'sreceiving receptacle engages ribbed members 205 a. At this moment ribbedmembers 205 a springs up into the PDA's receiving receptacle creating anaudible click. The audible click notifies the user that adapter 200 isfully secured to the PDA.

FIG. 5 illustrates an adapter having a hand strap 130. Hand strap 130 isattached to the top of the adapter and allows the operator to carry thedevice without worrying about dropping it. The adapter, which istypically made out of plastic material, can have a rubber over-mold witha finger grip designed into it.

FIG. 6 shows compartment for a rechargeable, or a disposable, batterylocated inside the adapter. The battery is accessed via a battery door140 that forms a part of the adapter's top cover.

FIG. 7 shows an adapter having a handle grip 150 extending from thesurface of the adapter. Handle grip 150 may be detachable from theadapter. In addition, handle grip 150 includes a trigger mechanism 152for triggering (“energizing”) the module that is integrated inside theadapter. Handle grip 150 has a battery compartment 154 inside it, suchthat the device can be operated for longer periods of time. As analternative, the adapter may not have any batteries inside, and wouldreceive its power from handle grip 150. Handle grip 150 also includes awrist tether 156 allowing the operator to carry the device withouthaving to grip it.

Changing Functionality of Application Buttons

In one embodiment of the present invention a user can change thefunctionality of one or more of the application buttons on the PDA in amanner that is seamless to the user. For example, one of the buttons onthe PDA may be dedicated to functioning as an audio recording button.When a user attaches an adapter that has scanning capability, the usermay want to use that button to trigger a scanning operation instead ofaudio recording. According to a preferred embodiment, by attaching theadapter to the PDA, the functionality of the button may be reconfiguredto a scanning function without any additional steps by the user.

FIG. 14 shows a flowchart representing a configuration routine for apreferred embodiment of the present invention. Step 302 represents a PDAhaving an application button that is assigned a certain function. Inthis preferred embodiment the adapter includes nonvolatile memory thatincludes a configuration program. The configuration program may includea program that includes routines for changing the functionality of oneor more of the application buttons on the PDA. The configuration programchanges application button mappings within the PDA to produce thedesired functionality. When a device (such as an adapter) is attached tothe PDA (and when the PDA is turned on) at 304, the PDA will run theconfiguration program at 306. At step 308, the configuration programwill change the application button mapping in the PDA to change thefunctionality of one or more of the application buttons from an originalfunction to a reconfigured function. Thus, the change of function of thebuttons is seamless to the user. The reconfigured function of the buttonwill preferably be related to a function that was added by theattachment of the adapter to the PDA.

FIG. 15 shows a flowchart representing a configuration routine foranother preferred embodiment of the present invention. Step 312represents the PDA having an application button with a certain functionwherein the PDA has a configuration program stored in a memory.Alternatively, the configuration program could reside on a remote sitethat is accessible by the PDA. At step 314, the PDA could poll itsexpansion connector to detect the presence of any attached devices. Anattachable device (such as an adapter) may have associated with it anidentification code. The identification code may include a portion thatidentifies a manufacturer and a portion that identifies a device. If thedevice is attached to the PDA, the PDA will check the identificationcode of the attached device at 316. Once the PDA determines theidentification code of the attached device, at 318 the PDA accessesconfiguration data that provides information for the PDA to change thefunctionality of the application buttons. The configuration data may bedetermined by accessing a look up table (stored either locally on thePDA or remotely). Alternatively, instead of having an identificationcode associated with the attached device, the device may store thereconfiguration data in the device's nonvolatile memory. At 319, theconfiguration program may change the application button mapping in thePDA in order to change the functionality of one or more of theapplication buttons from an original function to a reconfiguredfunction. Thus, the change of function of the buttons is seamless to theuser. Again, the reconfigured function of the button will preferably berelated to a function that was added by the attachment of the device tothe PDA.

FIG. 16 shows a flowchart representing a configuration routine for apreferred embodiment wherein the adapter is removed from the PDA. Step322 represents the PDA having an application button with a certainreconfigured function. In this preferred embodiment of the invention,the reconfigured function of the application button will revert back tothe original function when the adapter is removed. The PDA may include aroutine for polling the PDA's expansion connector to determine whetherany devices are attached. At step 324 the PDA polls the expansionconnector. If the polling routine determines that an adapter is nolonger connected to the PDA, the configuration program may be activatedat 326. At step 328 the configuration program may change the applicationbutton mapping in the PDA in order to change the functionality of theapplication buttons from the reconfigured function back to the originalfunction. Thus, when a user no longer needs to use the additionalfunctions provided by the adapter unit, he does not have to input anydata into the PDA to revert back to the original function of theapplication buttons. The user can simply detach the adapter from thePDA, and the PDA could automatically reconfigure the applicationbuttons.

Memory Feature

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the adapter mayinclude a memory backup system. The memory backup system helps preventthe PDA from losing information stored in the PDA's volatile memory inthe event that the PDA's battery source is critically low.

PDA's typically include a battery monitoring circuit that monitors thePDA's battery source to determine an energy level. If the energy levelfalls below a certain shut down value, the PDA automatically shuts down.The manufacturer or programmer of the PDA sets the shut down value to belarge enough so that some power is reserved to maintain the contents ofthe PDA's volatile memory. However, this system does not guarantee thatthe contents of the PDA's volatile memory will be preserved. The energylevel may continue to decrease over time until the data stored in thevolatile memory becomes irretrievable.

FIG. 17 shows a flowchart representing a memory backup system for apreferred embodiment of the present invention. Step 332 represents a PDAhaving a volatile memory attached to an adapter. The adapter has anonvolatile memory capable of storing data and application programs. Thesystem measures the energy level of the battery source at 334 andcompares the energy level to a certain backup value at 336. If theenergy level of the battery source falls below the backup value, at step338 the data stored in the PDA's volatile memory is copied in theadapter's nonvolatile memory or to a remote storage area. The remotestorage area may include a facility linked to a wide area network or alocal area network. The backup value may be set to be equal to ordifferent than the shut down value. If the data stored in the PDA'svolatile memory is irretrievable because the energy level of the batterysource is too low to maintain the memory, the data may be reconstructedby using the data stored in the adapter's nonvolatile memory.

What is claimed is:
 1. An adapter unit for communicating with a personal digital assistant and reading a product identification code, the personal digital assistant having a back surface, two side surfaces defining a width of the personal digital assistant, a top surface and a bottom surface defining a length of the personal digital assistant and an expansion connector, said adapter unit comprising: a carrier portion having a bottom wall and two sidewalls, said bottom wall having a top section and a bottom section, said top section of said bottom wall being configured to conform to the back surface of the personal digital assistant; a cover secured to the bottom section of the bottom wall of said carrier portion; an adapter connector for creating a communications link with said expansion connector of the personal digital assistant; and a product identification reader for reading the product identification code, said product identification reader is included between said cover and said bottom wall of said carrier portion, and coupled to the personal digital assistant through said communications link.
 2. The adapter of claim 1 wherein said two sidewalls are configured to prevent side-to-side movement of the personal digital assistant relative to the adapter unit.
 3. The adapter unit of claim 1 wherein said two sidewalls are configured to prevent vertical movement of the personal digital assistant relative to the adapter unit.
 4. The adapter unit of claim 1 wherein said product identification reader is a CCD imager.
 5. The adapter unit of claim 1 wherein said adapter unit includes circuitry for a wireless wide area network.
 6. The adapter unit of claim 1 wherein said adapter unit includes circuitry for a wireless local area network.
 7. An adapter unit for communicating with a personal digital assistant, the personal digital assistant having a back surface, two side surfaces defining a width of the personal digital assistant, a top surface and a bottom surface defining a length of the personal digital assistant and an expansion connector, said adapter unit comprising: a carrier portion having a bottom wall and two sidewalls, said bottom wall having a top section and a bottom section, said top section of said bottom wall being configured to conform to the back surface of the personal digital assistant; a cover secured to the bottom section of the bottom wall of said carrier portion, a product identification reader for reading a product identification code, said product identification reader is included between said cover and said bottom wall of said carrier portion, and coupled to the personal digital assistant via said expansion connector, and an adapter connector for engaging with said expansion connector of the personal digital assistant; and wherein said two sidewalls are configured to prevent side-to-side movement of the personal digital assistant relative to the adapter unit and wherein at least one of the sidewalls is configured to provide a gripping surface, said gripping surface radiates in an outward direction relative to a vertical axis perpendicular to said bottom wall.
 8. The adapter unit of claim 7 wherein a portion of said gripping surface extends above the top section of said bottom wall.
 9. The adapter unit of claim 7 wherein said gripping surface comprises more than 20% of the length of the personal digital assistant.
 10. The adapter unit of claim 7 wherein said two sidewalls are configured to prevent vertical movement of the personal digital assistant.
 11. The adapter unit of claim 7 wherein the distance between the two sidewalls changes along the length of the sidewalls.
 12. The adapter unit of claim 7 wherein said adapter unit includes a product identification reader that includes an imager.
 13. The adapter unit of claim 7 wherein said adapter unit includes circuitry for a wireless wide area network.
 14. The adapter unit of claim 7 wherein said adapter unit includes circuitry for a wireless local area network.
 15. An adapter unit for communicating with a personal digital assistant, the personal digital assistant having a back surface, two side surfaces defining a width of the personal digital assistant, a top surface and a bottom surface defining a length of the personal digital assistant and an expansion connector, said adapter unit comprising: a carrier portion having a bottom wall and two sidewalls, said bottom wall having a top section and a bottom section, said top section of said bottom wall being configured to conform to the back surface of the personal digital assistant; a cover secured to the bottom section of the bottom wall of said carrier portion; a product identification reader for reading a product identification code, said product identification reader is included between said cover and said bottom wall of said carrier portion, and coupled to the personal digital assistant via said expansion connector; and an adapter connector for engaging with said expansion connector of the personal digital assistant; and wherein said two sidewalls are configured to prevent side-to-side movement of the personal digital assistant relative to the adapter unit and wherein at least one of the sidewalls is configured to provide a gripping surface, and wherein a portion of said gripping surface extends above the top section of said bottom wall.
 16. The adapter unit of claim 15 wherein said gripping surface radiates in an outward direction relative to a vertical axis.
 17. The adapter unit of claim 15 wherein said gripping surface comprises more than 20% of the length of the personal digital assistant.
 18. The adapter unit of claim 15 wherein said two sidewalls are configured to prevent vertical movement of the personal digital assistant.
 19. The adapter unit of claim 15 wherein the distance between the two sidewalls changes along the length of the sidewalls.
 20. An adapter unit that is grasped by a user of a personal digital assistant, the personal digital assistant having a back surface, two side surfaces defining a width of the personal digital assistant, a top surface and a bottom surface defining a length of the personal digital assistant and an expansion connector, said adapter unit comprising: a carrier portion having a bottom wall and two sidewalls, said bottom wall having a top section and a bottom section, said top section of said bottom wall being configured to conform to the back surface of the personal digital assistant; a cover secured to the bottom section of the bottom wall of said carrier portion; a product identification reader for reading a product identification code, said product identification reader is included between said cover and said bottom wall of said carrier portion, and coupled to the personal digital assistant via said expansion connector; and an adapter connector for engaging with said expansion connector of the personal digital assistant; and wherein said two sidewalls are configured to prevent side-to-side movement of the personal digital assistant relative to the adapter unit and wherein at least one of the sidewalls is configured to provide a gripping surface and a side section, and wherein said gripping surface and said side section meet to form a ridge to improve the user's grasp of the adapter unit.
 21. The adapter unit of claim 20 wherein said gripping surface radiates in an outward direction relative to a vertical axis.
 22. The adapter unit of claim 20 wherein said gripping surface comprises more than 20% of the length of the personal digital assistant.
 23. The adapter unit of claim 20 wherein said two sidewalls are configured to prevent vertical movement of the personal digital assistant.
 24. The adapter unit of claim 20 wherein the distance between the two sidewalls changes along the length of the sidewalls.
 25. An adapter unit for communicating with a personal digital assistant, the personal digital assistant having a back surface, two side surfaces defining a width of the personal digital assistant, a top surface and a bottom surface defining a length of the personal digital assistant and an expansion connector, said adapter unit comprising: a carrier portion having a bottom wall and two sidewalls, said bottom wall having a top section and a bottom section, said top section of said bottom wall being configured to conform to the back surface of the personal digital assistant and wherein said two sidewalls are configured to prevent side-to-side and vertical movement of the personal digital assistant relative to the adapter unit; a cover secured to the bottom section of the bottom wall of said carrier portion; a product identification reader for reading a product identification code, said product identification reader is included between said cover and said bottom wall of said carrier portion, and coupled to the personal digital assistant via said expansion connector; an adapter connector for engaging with said expansion connector of the personal digital assistant; and a retainer clip for engaging with the top surface of the personal digital assistant and securing the personal digital assistant to the adapter unit.
 26. The adapter unit of claim 25 wherein said retainer clip has a rotatable hinge.
 27. The adapter unit of claim 25 wherein said adapter unit includes a product identification reader that includes an imager.
 28. The adapter unit of claim 25 wherein said adapter unit includes circuitry for a wireless wide area network.
 29. The adapter unit of claim 25 wherein said adapter unit includes circuitry for a wireless local area network. 